Music unites in tributes to late agent

Charlie Hamlen’s death has plunged the community into shock and mourning.

Edna Landau, ex-IMG Artists: Charles Hamlen, a towering (literally!) figure in my life, has gone to his eternal rest. There are no adequate words to express what he meant to me. I owe my entire career in the arts to him and to his unfailing belief in me. Charlie hired me in 1979 at a salary of $14,000 (!) when Hamlen Management was less than a year old. We embarked on a great adventure which, by force of logic, could never have succeeded. In his characteristic generosity, he insisted on renaming the company Hamlen-Landau Management after only six months. We didn’t know what it meant to be discouraged. We shared the same idealism, work ethic, moral code, optimism and love of music. We were blessed with one little miracle after another and achieved great things we couldn’t have ever imagined.

Charlie’s brilliance, warmth, sensitivity and fantastic sense of humor sustained me throughout the years. It was these qualities which attracted so many terrific artists to the IMG Artists roster. Even when he left IMG Artists to found Classical Action, a move which filled me with great admiration, I felt as though he had never left my side. His work there blossomed into something extraordinary which only he could have accomplished.

I have lost a dream business partner, confidante and best friend, but I take comfort in knowing that he left behind a legacy for others to emulate and a host of friends and colleagues who will seek to infuse each day with “a little bit of Charlie”, making it a better world for all of us. RIP, dearest Charlie

Charlotte Lee of Primo Artists writes: ‘Can’t believe he’s gone. He was the one who got me into the business 20 years ago and introduced me to Edna Landau, who then hired me to succeed Mark Newbanks. In the later years when he returned to IMG as Chairman, he sat in the cubicle outside my office. That was so Charlie. To insist on being amongst the people, not in an ivory tower. Just like how he always took the bus home after concerts, never a taxi. The most normal guy, yet the most extraordinary man.’

Such a warm and elegant man. I feel lucky to have known him. -AG https://t.co/RStzmhnsUl

— Alan Gilbert (@GilbertConducts) August 2, 2018

While we knew this beautiful man’s end was near, we are still filled with sadness. That said, it was a life well lived and Charlie made a real difference. He will be missed by all. https://t.co/wEliUCQnkK

— Deborah Borda (@DeborahBorda) August 2, 2018

Very sad news today: my dear friend and former manager Charlie Hamlen died yesterday. We spoke on Sunday but he was fading fast. He was a man of immense fun, intelligence and kindness. A lovely piece here by @coopnytimes https://t.co/wslIwmivm6

— Stephen Hough (@houghhough) August 2, 2018

Very saddened by the loss of a friend and of one the greatest manager with a true vision.
Your love for music and the artists,
your kindness and support, always,
The fun times we had,
Mon cher Charlie, we will miss you so much
Gautier #CharlesHamlen via @nytimes https://t.co/I8VLqfsFhZ

— Gautier CAPUCON (@GautierCapucon) August 2, 2018

Very sad news. Charlie was such a kind & inspirational person. He was always incredibly nice to me. He will certainly be missed by all! Charles Hamlen, Classical Music Manager With a Cause, Dies at 75 via @NYTimes https://t.co/ShRlGTGjXx

While we knew this beautiful man’s end was near, we are still filled with sadness. That said, it was a life well lived and Charlie made a real difference. He will be missed by all. https://t.co/wEliUCQnkK

— Deborah Borda (@DeborahBorda) August 2, 2018

— Adam Crane (@adamcrane) August 2, 2018

Charlie was the first person I interviewed for my master’s thesis. He encouraged me in my project and treated me kindly, speaking candidly and earnestly about losing many, many friends to #AIDS. Thank you, Charlie Hamlen, for everything. https://t.co/zCgzt4K8Gv

— Leah Rosenzweig (@leahrosenz) August 2, 2018